Bernice Ozero, aged 96 years of Fort Frances, Ontario, passed away peacefully at LaVerendrye Hospital on Monday, Jan. 6, 2020 with Mary Jane and Don at her side and other family members in her heart.
Bernie was born on Feb. 2, 1923 in Winnipeg. As a lovely young lady, Bernice Jaworski caught the eye of another Winnipegger, William “Bill” Ozero. They were wed on Oct. 29, 1949 and shortly after moved to Fort Frances where they settled to raise their family and create a lifetime of memories. Following retirement, Bill and Bernie travelled, with Tucson, Arizona being their winter get-away for almost twenty years. It was here that they made some lasting friendships that they always cherished. The long trek into Arizona was sometimes challenging but Bill said things were made simpler with Bernie as his “nagavator”. In 2007 health issues began to crop up and it was back home to Fort Frances to spend remaining winters.
The family cabin on Hostess Island was always a beehive of activities and Bernie always made sure there was always plenty to eat. A typical sight was Bernie sitting on the deck watching various water activities taking place, first with her children and then with her grandchildren usually followed closely with the family dog chasing someone.
In her earlier years, Bernie enjoyed her association with her friends in the Royal Purple and also in her Bridge Club.
Left with saddened hearts are her daughter Mary Jane (Bill) Gushulak of Fort Frances; her son John (Anna) of Australia and son Donald (Char) of Winnipeg; grandchildren Matthew (Holly) Gushulak, Steven (Bev) Gushulak, Lindsay Ozero, Allison Ozero (Dave Thom), Tristan Ozero (Malou), Tessa and Tanner Ozero; great grandchildren Andrew and Theo Gushulak, Amelie Grundon and Skylar Thom; along with several nieces, nephews and numerous friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Bill; sisters Jessie, Millie and Nellie; brothers Louis and Eddie.
As per Bernie’s wishes and directions a private family memorial will be held as a later date.
If so desired, memorial donations can be directed to either the Knox United Church Memorial Fund, 340 Church St., Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 1E1, or to Riverside Foundation for Health Care, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances Ontario, P9A 2B7. Green Funeral Home, Fort Frances is in care of arrangements and online condolences can be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
“Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, Love leaves memories that no one can steal.”
BERNICE OZERO
